Discrete event simulation of wireless cellular networks

The design of telecommunication networks usually comprises three major phases. First, mathematical analysis is carried out and numerical results obtained. During this phase, simple models are used to facilitate calculations. These simple models involve hypotheses that are not realistic, leading to rough performance figures that are valid only as a first approach to the feasibility of the proposed network. Simulation is the second step in the design process before performance can be monitored and measured in the true network. In contrast to the simple models necessary for the mathematical analysis, models used in simulations permit the relaxation of strict adherence to most of the hypotheses assumed in those models. The results obtained by simulation are much closer to the true world than those obtained by analysis. The simulation of wireless cellular networks raises a set of specific problems that are not encountered in the simulation of other networks. The aim of this chapter is to state those issues and to present several ways to cope with them.